PULSE: Big Spring AMBUCS' Rattlesnake Roundup

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The incessant sound of rattlers, the dry, scaly skin and the fierce-looking fangs will return to the spotlight this weekend when Big Spring hosts its annual Rattlesnake Roundup.

Hunters say this winter has been a slow one for catching the rattlers because the below-average temperatures have kept many snakes cooped up in their dens.

Many of those enticed into the sun, though, were snagged by West Texans and will be turned in this weekend. Hunters will compete for both the heaviest snakes caught and also the most cumulative rattlers turned in.

The roundup isn’t just for those who’ve spent time catching the poisonous creatures. There also will be snake shows and demonstrations throughout the day Saturday and an arts and crafts fair for locals not wanting anything to do with the slithering reptiles.

The event is being sponsored by the Big Spring chapter of the American Business Club. Proceeds go toward a scholarship the club awards.

Big Spring Rattlesnake Roundup: March 26-28

Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 4 through 11 for roundup, no charge for Arts and Crafts Fair

March 26:

— purchasing of snakes

March 27:

— 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Snake shows, demonstrations, races

— 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Arts and Crafts Fair in the Dora Roberts building

March 28:

— noon to 6 p.m.: Doors open

— 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Weigh-in of snakes

*Unless otherwise noted, events in the Howard County Fair Barns

Fun rattlesnake facts:

— Rattlesnakes have no eyelids and no ears

— The body temperature of a rattlesnake is about 10 degrees cooler than a human, which helps it to sense the warmth of humans and animals nearby.

— You can’t de-fang a rattlesnake because new fangs will come down in place of any lost.

— Rattlesnakes continue moving after they’ve been killed. Even after having their heads chopped off, a snake will continue trying to bite and its heart will continue to beat for up to 45 minutes.

— Only about half of newborn rattlesnakes will survive the first year.

— Dogs won’t die from rattlesnake bites unless the venom enters one of their major arteries.

— Those that do survive in West Texas typically live four to five years before being killed by a roadrunner or a passing vehicle.

— Rattlesnakes shed their skin anywhere from one to three times each year.

— Some rattlesnakes only eat a few times each year. When they do eat, they prey on rats, small rabbits and birds.

— Females are more hostile than males because their survival is crucial for the species to continue.